Card fraud is a serious issue for any business and it's something we take very seriously.

If your business starts accepting American Express Cards, it's good to know that that we take a proactive approach and try to detect fraudulent activity before it goes any further. For example, it’s reassuring for both our Cardmembers and our Merchants that we routinely contact a Cardmember if we spot any unusual activity on their Account.

However, our Merchants can help us to prevent fraudulent transactions even getting that far by checking Card faces for anything unusual. Here's a guide to what to look out for when checking Cards:

1. All American Express Account numbers are embossed and start with "37" or "34".

2. Check Account numbers are embossed (15 digits) with no alterations and spaced in 4, 6 and 5 digits.

3. Check the 4 digit Card Identification Number (CID) is printed above the embossed Account number on right or left of Card and cannot be scratched off.

4. Compare the name embossed with the person presenting the Card. (Cards are not transferable.)

5. Check the 'Member since' date is embossed and compare it with the age of the person presenting the Card.

6. Check the expiry date is embossed and the Card is valid.

7. Check for phosphorescence in the Centurion portrait and words. "AMEX" should be visible under UV light.

8. Some Cards have a hologram of the American Express image embedded Into the magnetic stripe.

9. Check the printed Account number matches the embossed number on the front of the Card and sales receipt.

10. Compare the signature with the sales receipt. If the Card presented isn't signed, request photo ID with a signature and request the customer to sign both the Card and sales receipt and check it against the ID.